Sip into something comfortable
‘Savannah Sipping Society’ takes to the stage in Lincoln City
If you think it sounds crazy that three people could write plays together for many years without wanting to kill each other, allow us to introduce the writing team of Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, known professionally as Jones Hope Wooten.
“Savannah Sipping Society,” the next production from Lincoln City’s Theatre West, is one of this power trio’s most popular plays. Under the direction of Kaline Klaas, the play will open on Thursday, May 26, and run through Saturday, June 18.
In this delightful comedy, four unique Southern women, all needing to escape their day-to-day routines, are drawn together by fate — and an impromptu happy hour — and decide it’s high time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years.
Randa Covington, played by Joy Gallagher, is a perfectionist and workaholic, struggling to cope with a surprise career derailment that reveals that she has no life and no idea how to get one.
Bonnie Ross plays Dot Haigler, who is still reeling from her husband’s recent demise and the loss of their plans for an idyllic retirement. She faces the unsettling prospect of starting a new life from scratch.
Earthy and boisterous Marlafaye Mosley, played by Alice Luchau, is a good ol’ Texas gal who blasted into Savannah in the wake of losing her tom-cattin’ husband to a 23-year-old dental hygienist. The strength of her desire to establish a new life is equaled only by her desire to wreak a righteous revenge on her ex. Also new to town is Jinx Jenkins, played by Ellen Christian, a spunky ball of fire who offers her services as a much-needed life coach for these women. However, blinded by her determination and efforts to get their lives on track, she overlooks the fact that she’s the one most in need of sage advice. Tricia Chandler rounds out the cast as the grandmother.
Filled with laughter, hilarious misadventures and the occasional liquid refreshment, the women successfully bond and find the confidence to jumpstart their new lives. Together, they discover lasting friendships and a renewed determination to live in the moment — and most importantly, realize it’s never too late to make new old friends.
All of the actors have appeared in many plays on the Jack Coyne stage, but this will be the farewell performance for Gallagher, who is moving to be closer to family.
So raise your glass and say “Cheers!” to this joyful and surprisingly touching comedy.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 60 and older and $15 for children.
Performances begin at 7:30 pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a Sunday matinée at 2 pm on Sunday, June 12. Theatre West is located at 3536 SE Hwy. 101 in Lincoln City. For more information, go to theatrewest.com or call 541-994-5663.